Millfield

[Colleger]

I decided to read the inspection report of Millfield tonight and noticed that a large amount of kids have SEN or retention problems. As I read on I thought this school may suit DS but what if a child is not sporty - how do they cope at Millfied?

In an average prep he is usually in the B team or bottom of an A team. He's a good swimmer but probably rubbish compared to Millfield. I imagine at Millfield he'd be lucky to make the D teams! I'm not sure if he'd feel really inadequate at such a school. He feels very inadequate at his music school and used to be so confident in that area.

Is music any good at Millfield - both the prep and senior school?

A colleague had/has three at Milfield the first one went because of its equestrian facilities (she's just left with three As at A level). They were so impressed with it that they sent the other two who were not sporty they are also happy and doing well. We were talking about it the other week apparently lots of drama art and music and genuinely nice parents.

Oh and its huge but she was telling me that somehow the kids don't feel like small fish in big ponds.

I am a current Millfield parent. I think it can be a great school for kids who are very driven and aspiring to be top of their tree. If they are likely to get their name in lights the school will put them on a pedestal but the knock on is that I think it can be a very demoralising place for a nice kid who is average and just wants to have a go. It really depends on the self esteem and strength of character of an individual child. The school is so big and there are lots of kids looking for attention either with their talent or through poor behaviour so it is easy to get overlooked.

Colleger why don't you look at Marlborough. Your DS could be a big fish in a small pond musically as he's so good. Take a look at their music dept on the website.

Where are you based? If you're in the area around Millfield rather than considering boarding the Wells Cathedral school is good for Music.

My sister went to Millfield and loved it - but the impression I got is that everyone is usper-good at something (or v rich!)